First Impression: 2014 KTM 450SX-F

The KTM 450SX-F has made huge strides over the past few years. Since the introduction of the newest Electronic Fuel Injected machine, KTM has stepped closer towards the front of the pack. And with Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey taking the bike to numerous Supercross wins and the Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship last year, it’s easy to see that KTM is now a force to be reckoned with.

The 2014 KTM 450SX-F received focused enhancements for the new year.

After introducing an all-new machine only a couple years ago, KTM has slowly been refining the bike, updating, tweaking, and fine-tuning the motor, chassis, and suspension—this year is no different. With an already solid package, KTM has made focused changes to the 450SX-F with the goal of improving the power, handling, and overall feel of the bike.
Beginning with the motor, KTM changed the EFI mapping to help with throttle response while still maintaining strong, useable power. The gearbox also received minor changes to increase durability and performance, while the clutch now has stiffer springs for improved durability and feel. The chassis on the bike was given a new swingarm that is now stiffer than previously, providing better handling, control, and rider feedback. The forks received new settings that are stiffer than last year with the goal of keeping the bike riding higher in the stroke, thereby providing better overall suspension performance. Stopping power has also been improved for 2014, as a new master cylinder and brake pads are found both in the front and rear. The 450SX-F has always been equipped with Renthal Fatbars, high-quality grips, and the very popular electric starter, and all of those components carry over from 2013.

ON THE TRACK
Out on the track, the first thing we noticed about the 450SX-F is the amazing power. The motor is easily one of the most powerful in the class, producing strong useable power right from the initial crack of the throttle. Down low, the bike comes to life immediately and continues to pull hard through the midrange and into the top-end. Down fast straights, we found that the bike never fell flat and continued to pull. Furthermore, there was always plenty of power in reserve if it was needed to get over a jump or wheelie over a hole.

The 450SX-F’s strongest attribute is its extremely powerful motor. Lutes demonstrates by laying waste to this Pala Raceway berm.

One of our biggest complaints about the 450SX-F over the years has been the suspension, however, the new suspension settings are definitely a step in the right direction. The forks and shock work well together, remain plush, and soak up small hits and big jumps very well. The stiffer settings in the forks allow them to remain higher in the stroke, not dive under braking, and resist bottoming much better than previous models. One complaint that we do have, though, is that the forks rebound too fast. During our initial testing, we slowed the rebound down two clicks, and found that it improved the feeling, allowing the forks to rebound slower and giving them a stiffer feeling, which we liked. Overall, the suspension and chassis are improved and work well together.
Other smaller components on the bike that we must mention are the amazing hydraulic clutch, electric starter—which makes firing up the bike easy if you stall it—the Renthal Fatbars, the improved Brembo brakes, and the high quality grips. The 450SX-F is a very well built machine.

THE VERDICT
Even though the 450SX-F didn’t receive any major updates for the new year, it still has taken a step forward from the previous model. The new 2014 machine is fast, handles better, and will stand up to anything you can throw at it. We still have a lot more testing to do, though, so be sure to check out an upcoming issue of TransWorld Motocross for a more in-depth review on the bike.

Has anybody here had any experience with the Rekluse clutch in the KTM450? I love the electric start but on some of the really tight trails here in NC I keep having to restart because of stalls. Will the Rekluse help this as they advertise?

iv had this bike for about three weeks now everything feels great grouse bike to ride, bike has 7 hours on it now due for another service, electric start is great from cold and hot starts,starts straight away, in the past iv had hondas and yamaha's first KTM and have no regrets at all,my brother also has the 14 250sx-f both great bikes.

KTM's are head and shoulders about the Jap bikes to me. I've had all flavors and always disliked KTM's. Until i got one. I'd never go back to a Jap bike. I did love my Honda's though. Steel frames are what makes the KTM so great. Alum frames are just a marketing scam. Yes, they look better, I agree, but they do not handle like steel and never will. Ask MC, he'll tell you. Looking at the 350 or 450 soon. I have an older 450 now and love it. I'll never ride aanything else. But, be prepared to do a re-valve right a way. RG3 has these dialed. I had to re-valve my 250 and 450 Honda's as well. I do suspension on all my bikes before I even touch anything else, and that's usually all the needs to be done to any bike. OK.. let the blasting begin:-) All in all, whatever you ride and like.... they are all pretty darn close these days and I'd consider you a brother even if you liked those ugly green machine:-)

Love the electric start, raced a 350 all year last year never had an issue. never needed to change the battery. Now have the 450, great bike, awesome power better components on it that any other brand in stock trim. People who talk trash are not idiots they are just haven't experienced how great these bikes are.

Looks like it would be a great bike. It has about 12 more horsepower than my 9 year old YZ and is lighter. That and losing 25+lbs myself, this bike would feel like a rocket. I would be torn between this and the XC since I like to ride off road also. Cyrca bark busters and a Rekluse Core EXP would be a must. My Yamaha has never failed me other than a stripped sprocket once so I would also still look hard at the new YZ. As an older guy, the electric start is a huge selling point. When I do stall, my heart rate goes through the roof after restarting.